James Strikes At The Death As Bendel Insurance Halt Rivers United’s Unbeaten Run In Benin

Bendel Insurance ended Rivers United’s unbeaten run in the 2026/27 Nigeria Professional Football League with a deserved victory in the Matchday 10 encounter at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, on Sunday.

Bendel Insurance 2-1 Rivers United

Freeman Wuchirwe put the hosts ahead early in the second half, Chijioke Oboama equalised for the visitors in the 82nd minute, and substitute Jonathan James snatched the winner right on 90 minutes to send the home fans into celebration.

The first half was lively but goalless, with both sides cautious. Lekan Gabriel made a timely clearance in the 25th minute, and two minutes later Alex Oweilayefa forced a save from Rivers United goalkeeper Clinton Andy, before sending another effort wide in the 32nd minute. Andy was again the visitors’ saviour in the 37th minute, parrying Fatai Abdullahi’s close range shot onto the post.

Insurance broke the deadlock three minutes after the restart when midfielder Wuchirwe unleashed a long range effort that Andy failed to hold, with the ball crossing the line. Kayode Oke almost doubled the lead in the 54th minute with another long range strike.

Coach Kennedy Boboye made his first changes in the 66th minute, replacing Emmanuel Dung and Oke with James and Suraju Lawal, and the impact was immediate, as Lawal’s powerful shot, set up by James, hit the woodwork three minutes later.

Rivers United levelled in the 82nd minute when Oboama capitalised on a defensive error to beat goalkeeper Joseph Oryia, but Insurance refused to settle for a draw, as was the case in last season’s fixture. Right on 90 minutes, James converted from Oweilayefa’s assist to seal the win.

Speaking after the match, Rivers United coach Finidi George praised the hosts, admitting he knew the unbeaten run would end somewhere and that it had finally ended in Benin, commending Insurance players for their fighting spirit.

Boboye commended his players and said the away wins would come, insisting the league is still fresh and that his team is getting better as they prepare for a trip to Kwara the following weekend.

The result lifts Insurance to 15 points from nine games, with an outstanding fixture still to be played against Rangers International of Enugu, before they travel to Ilorin to face Kwara United next weekend.

By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed